Docking assembly for a computer and method

ABSTRACT

A docking assembly for a computer. The docking assembly includes a base station, and a computer-support assembly coupled to the base station. A method for positioning a computer-support assembly for receiving a portable computer comprising moving away from a base station at least one engager member bound to a computer-support assembly. The base station and the computer-support assembly are rotatably coupled to an arm assembly. The method additionally includes moving the computer-support assembly away from the base station while rotating about the arm assembly, and positioning the computer-support assembly in a posture for receiving a portable computer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a docking assembly. Morespecifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a dockingassembly for holding a small handheld computer, and a method forpositioning a computer-support assembly for receiving a small handheldcomputer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A docking station typically contains slots for expansion cards, bays forstorage devices, and connectors for peripheral devices, such as printersand monitors. A docking station can also include a network interfacecard (NIC) that attaches the notebook to a local area network (LAN).Once inserted in a docking station, a portable computer essentiallybecomes a desktop model computer. When it is taken out, it becomes aportable computer again. Most importantly, the same data is accessiblein both modes because it resides on the portable computer's drives.

The idea behind docking stations is to let one simultaneously enjoy theexpansion possibilities of desktop model computers with the portabilityof portable computers (e.g. small handheld computers). In addition, thedocking station enables one to use a full-size keyboard and monitor whenone is not traveling. However, a number of cables are needed forcoupling a portable computer to a docking station. These cables aresometimes cumbersome, and can make interconnecting the portable computerto the docking station awkward, not to mention needing the additionalspace to make the interconnection.

Therefore, what is needed is a cost-effective way to interconnect aportable computer (e.g., a small handheld computer) to a dockingstation. What is further needed and what has been invented is anefficient, cost-effective and improved way of interconnecting a portablecomputer to a docking station.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking assembly for acomputer. The docking assembly includes a base station, and acomputer-support assembly coupled to the base station.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method forpositioning a computer-support assembly for receiving a portablecomputer (e.g., a small handheld computer) comprising flexing and/ormoving away from a base station at least one engager member bound to acomputer-support assembly. The base station and the computer-supportassembly are rotatably connected or coupled to an arm assembly. Themethod additionally comprises moving the computer-support assembly awayfrom the base station while rotating about the arm assembly, andpositioning the computer-support assembly in a posture for receiving aportable computer.

These provisions, together with the various ancillary provisions andfeatures which will become apparent to those skilled in the art as thefollowing description proceeds, are attained by the methods andassemblies of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the docking assembly ina closed position and illustrating a docking or base station and acomputer support assembly pivotally secured thereto.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the docking assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the docking assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of the docking assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the docking assembly inan open position and illustrating the docking station and the computersupport assembly in position for receiving and supporting a smallhandheld computer.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the docking assembly of FIG. 6 andillustrating the docking station with the computer support assembly in aposition for receiving and supporting a small handheld computer.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly of FIG. 6,opposite the side of the embodiment of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is the perspective view of the embodiment of the dockingassembly shown in FIG. 6 and engaged to a small handheld computer.

FIG. 11 is the perspective view of the embodiment of the dockingassembly illustrated in FIG. 7 and engaged to a small handheld computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, suchas examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments of the present invention. One skilledin the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details,or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components,materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of thepresent invention.

Referring in detail now to the drawings wherein similar parts ofembodiments of the invention are identified by like reference numerals,there is seen in FIG. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of thedocking assembly, generally illustrated as 10. The docking assembly 10includes a docking or base station, generally illustrated as 12.Pivotally secured or coupled to the docking station 12 via an armassembly 16 is a computer support assembly, generally illustrated as 14.The arm assembly 16 includes an arm 17 rotatably coupled to the dockingstation 12 and the computer support assembly 14 at locations 29 and 108,respectively. The rotatable coupling among the arm assembly 16, thedocking station 12, and the computer support assembly 14 may be insuitable fashion or manner. For example, the computer support assembly14 may rotate on or about the arm assembly 16, while the arm assembly 16may rotate on or about the docking station 12.

The docking station 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a top 13, a bottom36, as well as side interfaces 24 and 34, all respectively secured toarm-assembly side 28 and side 31. For various embodiments of theinvention, side interface 24 may include any suitable components, suchas elect button 58, a CD/DVD slot 50, and USB port 54. As further seenin FIG. 1, the computer support assembly 14 includes a support member 90having connected or coupled thereto, preferably in an integral manner, apair of engagers 94 and 98, which may be flexible or non-flexibleengagers. The engagers 94 and 98 connect or couple to the support member90 in a generally opposed relationship. Engager 94 has an opening 112.Secured to the base 90 is a pair of connectors, multipurpose connector102 and HDMI connector 106. The arm assembly 16 is illustrated as havingthe arm 17 rotatably coupled to the docking station 12 and the computersupport assembly 14 at locations 29 and 108, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the docking station 12 with the computersupport assembly 14 pivotally secured thereto. There is seen in FIG. 2the docking assembly 10, top 13 of the docking station 12, and side 31and side interfaces 24 and 34 of the docking station 12. Also seen isthe support member 90 having connected or coupled thereto the pair ofengagers 94 and 98. In an embodiment of the invention, the engagers 94and 98 may respectively flex outwardly in direction of arrows E and F.The multipurpose connector 102 and HDMI connector 106 are shown asconnected to the base 90. The arm assembly 16 is illustrated as havingthe arm 17 rotatably coupled to the docking station 12 and the computersupport assembly 14 at locations 29 and 108, respectively. In anembodiment of the invention, the docking assembly 10 may include anotherarm assembly rotatably coupled to the docking station 12 and to thecomputer support assembly 14.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the docking station 12 having thecomputer support assembly 14 pivotally secured or coupled thereto. Thereis seen in FIG. 3 the docking assembly 10, the bottom 36 of the dockingstation 12, and side 31 and side interfaces 24 and 34 of the dockingstation 12. Also seen in FIG. 3 is the support member 90 havingconnected or coupled thereto the pair of engagers 94 and 98. Themultipurpose connector 102 and HDMI connector 106 are seen as connectedto the base 90. The arm assembly 16 is seen as having the arm 17rotatably coupled to the docking station 12 and the computer supportassembly 14 at locations 29 and 108, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly 10 having thecomputer support assembly 14 in a closed position and pivotally securedor coupled to the docking station. The arm assembly 16 is shown ashaving the arm 17. The support member 90 of the computer supportassembly 14 is also shown along with the pair of engagers 94 and 98.

FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of the docking assembly 10having the computer support assembly in a closed position and pivotallysecured or coupled to the docking station 12. The top 13 and bottom 36of the docking station 12 is illustrated, along with the arm assembly 16having the arm 17. Side interface 24 of the docking station 12 is seenhaving the elect button 58, a CD/DVD slot 50, and USB port 54.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the docking assembly 10including the docking station 12 with the computer support assembly 14having been pivoted into a position for receiving and supporting a smallhandheld computer. For various embodiments of the invention, the sideinterface 34 may include any suitable connectors or ports. By way ofexample only and as shown in FIG. 6, the side interface 34 may comprisea power connector 62, a USB connection 66, a USB connector 70, EthernetPort 74, an audio audio port connector 78, a UGA 82 and an IEEE HDMI 86.The arm-assembly side 28 is illustrated. The top 13 and bottom 36 of thedocking station 12 is illustrated, along with the arm assembly 16 havingthe arm 17 rotatably coupled to the docking station 12 and the computersupport assembly 14 at locations 29 and 108, respectively.

The computer support assembly 14 is shown in FIG. 6 as having thesupport member 90 with the pair of engagers 94 and 98 connected orcoupled thereto in a generally opposed relationship. Engager 94 hasopening 112. Engager 98 has opening 112. Further seen in FIG. 6 is thebase 90 supporting the pair of connectors, multipurpose connector (e.g.,docking and power) 102 and HDMI connector 106. Engagers 94 and 98 arecapable of flexing outwardly in direction of arrows E and F,respectively.

In an embodiment, the arm 17 of the arm assembly 16 may be a generallyhollow conduit. Wires (not shown) may pass through the arm 17 forelectrically interconnecting appropriate components (e.g., RAM, harddisk drive, and battery) with the multipurpose connector 102 and HDMIconnector 106. In another embodiment of the invention, there may be awireless communication between the appropriate components and themultipurpose connector 102 and HDMI connector 106 supported by base 90.

The computer support assembly 14 may be adjusted into a desired positionby rotating the same about the arm assembly 16 in direction of arrow Aand/or rotating the arm assembly 16 about the computing support assembly14 in direction of the arrow B, as best shown in FIG. 6. As indicated,when the computer support assembly 14 is in a desired position,preferably when the multipurpose connector 102 and HDMI connector 106are generally normal with respect to the base 90 as best shown in FIG.6, a portable computer (e.g., a small handheld computer) may beconveniently positioned to engage the multipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106, as previously indicated.

FIG. 7 is yet another perspective view of an embodiment of the dockingassembly 10 including the docking station 12 and the computer supportassembly 14 having been pivoted into a position for receiving andsupporting a small handheld computer. The side interface 24 isillustrated as having the elect button 58, the CD/DVD slot 50, and USBport 54. The arm-assembly side 28 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The top 13of the docking station 12 is illustrated, along with the arm assembly 16having the arm 17 rotatably coupled to the docking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 at locations 29 and 108, respectively.

The computer support assembly 14 is shown in FIG. 7 as including thesupport member 90 having the pair of engagers 94 and 98 connected orcoupled thereto. The engagers 94 and 98 connect to the support member 90in a generally opposed relationship. Engager 94 has opening 112. Engager98 has opening 116. Further seen in FIG. 6 is the base 90 supporting thepair of connectors, multipurpose connector 102 and HDMI connector 106.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly 10 of FIG. 6.There is seen in FIG. 8 the side interface 24 of the docking station 12,along with the arm assembly 16 and its associated arm 16 pivoting to thedocking station 12 at location 29 which is located in side 28. A sideelevational view of the computer support assembly 14 is shown asincluding the engager 94 having opening 112. The arm assembly 16 isshown as pivotally coupling to the computer support assembly 14 atlocation 108.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly 10 of FIG. 6,opposite the side of the embodiment of the docking assembly 10 shown inFIG. 8. There is seen in FIG. 9 the side interface 24 of the dockingstation 12, along with the arm assembly 16. The docking station 12 isillustrated as having the bottom 36, and the side 31 having thekengsingtor lock hole 44. A side elevational view of the computersupport assembly 14 is shown as including the engager 98 coupled,preferably integrally coupled, to the base 90. Engager 98 is shown ashaving opening 116. The arm assembly 16 is also shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the docket assembly 10including the docking station 12 with the computer support assembly 14in a position for receiving and supporting a small handheld computer,generally illustrated as 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the side interface 34comprises a power connector 62, a USB connection 66, a keyboardconnector 70, Ethernet Port 74, a audio port connector 78, a UGA 82 andan IEEE HDMI 86. The arm-assembly side 28 is also illustrated. The top13 and bottom 36 of the docking station 12 is illustrated, along withthe arm assembly 16 having the arm 17 rotatably coupled to the dockingstation 12 and the computer support assembly 14 at locations 29 and 108,respectively. The computer support assembly 14 is shown in FIG. 10 ashaving the support member 90 with the pair of engagers 94 and 98connected thereto in a generally opposed relationship. Engager 94 hasopening 112.

The computer 20 shown in FIG. 10 includes a body 118, a display screen120, and a top surface or keyboard (identified as “126” below). Thedisplay screen 120 is slidably coupled to the body 118 for sliding upand down for covering and uncovering the keyboard. The display screen120 may be slidably adjusted as desired for convenient use. In anembodiment of the invention, when the computer 20 has been disposed inthe desired position, the engagers 94 and 98 biasedly engage sides ofthe computer 20 for assisting in holding the computer 20 in a generallyupright position. In an embodiment of the invention, each of the opposedengagers 94 and 98 may be formed with a pair of opposed lips to provideopposed slots such that sides of the computer 20 may slidably passthrough and engage the opposed slots to also assist in generally holdingthe computer 20 in the generally upright position as shown in FIG. 10.In another embodiment of the invention, each of the inside surfaces ofthe opposed engagers 94 and 98 has a generally arcuate shape forconveniently engaging the edge surfaces of the computer 20.

The “computer 20” for purposes of embodiments of the present inventionmay be any device. By way of example only, the computer 20 may be asmall handheld computer, such as those manufactured and distributed byOQO, Inc. In other embodiments the computer 20 may include differentelectronic devices, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellphone, smartphone, electronic mail (email) device (e.g., Blackberry™ orsimilar), music or audio player, video device, gaming device or othersmall, compact or subcompact electronic device. By further way ofexample only, the “computer 20” is merely representative of many diverseproducts which may be employed in various embodiments of the invention,including those which may be computer-based products, and so forth. Asindicated, the computer 20 is removably disposed in the computer supportassembly 14.

FIG. 11 is yet another perspective view of an embodiment of the dockingassembly 10 including the docking station 12 and the computer supportassembly 14 having been pivoted into a position for receiving andsupporting a small handheld computer 20. The side interface 24 isillustrated as having the elect button 58, the CD/DVD slot 50, and USBport 54. The arm-assembly side 28 is also illustrated in FIG. 11. Thetop 13 of the docking station 12 is illustrated, along with the armassembly 16 and its associated arm 17 rotatably coupled to the dockingstation 12 and the computer support assembly 14 at locations 29 and 108,respectively. The computer support assembly 14 is shown in FIG. 11 asincluding the support member 90 having the pair of engagers 94 and 98connected or coupled thereto. The engagers 94 and 98 connect or coupleto the support member 90 in a generally opposed relationship. Engager 94has opening 112. The small handheld computer 20 in FIG. 11 is shown ashaving the body 118, the keyboard 126 and the slidable screen 120.

Continuing to refer to the drawings for operation of various embodimentsof the invention, to release the computer support assembly 14 from thedocking station 12, engagers 94 and 98 may be moved away from thedocking (or base) station, or in another embodiment of the invention,engagers 94 and 98 are flexed outwardly in direction of arrows E and F,respectively (see FIG. 2). After the engagers 94 and 98 are moved (orflexed) away from the docking station 12, the computer support assembly14 may be pulled and/or rotated upwardly for moving the computer supportassembly 14 in a position for supporting the small handheld computer 20when the latter engages multipurpose connector 102 and HDMI connector106 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

After a user has finished operating and/or engaging the computer 20, thecomputer 20 may be disengaged from the computer support assembly 14, andthe computer support assembly 14 which may be subsequently re-coupled tothe docking station 12 for disposing the computer support assembly 14 inthe closed posture with respect to the docking station 12 (see FIGS.1-3). To re-couple the computer support assembly 14 to the dockingstation 12, the computer 20 is slid upwardly to disengage the computer20 from the computer support assembly 14 and the multipurpose connector102 and HDMI connector 106. To assist in removing the computer 20 fromthe docking station 12, in one embodiment of the invention engagers 94and 98 may be flexed outwardly in direction of arrows E and F,respectively (see FIG. 6 wherein arrows E and F are shown). After thecomputer 20 has been removed from the computer support assembly 14, thecomputer support assembly 14 and arm assembly 16 are moved towardsinterface 34 of the docking station 12, causing the computer supportassembly 14 to move rotatably about the arm assembly 16 in direction ofarrow A at location 108, and further causing the arm assembly 16 to moverotatably about the docking station 12 in direction of the arrow B atlocation 29, as best shown in FIG. 6.

As and/or when the base 90 of the computer support assembly 14 movespast the side interface 34 of the docking station 12, engagers 94 and 98are moved or rotated toward sides 28 and 31, and/or may be flexedoutwardly and away the sides 28 and 31. When the openings 112 and 116associated with the engagers 94 and 98 are generally alignedrespectively with sides 28 and 31, the engagers 94 and 98 are releasedfor locking and/or engaging the computer support assembly 14 with thedocketing station 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. When the computersupport assembly 14 has been locked and/or engaged accordingly, thecomponents (e.g., power connector 62, a USB connection 66, etc.) on theside interface 34, as well as the components (i.e., the multipurposeconnector 102 and the HDMI connector 106) supported by the base 90, areprotected from being damaged. Also, the arm assembly 16 provides aconvenient handle for carrying the docking assembly 10.

In an embodiment of the invention, the engagers 94 and 98 may befurnished with sufficient elasticity such that after the engagers 94 and98 are aligned with the sides 28 and 31, the biased or elasticitypressure of the engagers 94 and 98 against the sides 28 and 31 generallyengage or steadfastly engage the sides 28 and 31 to lock or hold thecomputer support assembly 14 with the of the docking station 12.

In an embodiment of the invention, the top 13 and/or bottom 36 and/orany one of the four sides (e.g., 24, 28, 31 and 34) of the dockingstation 12 may include one or more keys, or one or more capacitivetouch-sensors. The top 13 of the docking station 12 may include a keyphone like keypad (e.g., a 12 key phone like keypad) or a qwerty stylekey board or a combination of both these input devices. The dockingstation arm element (the protective element 90) may have male versionsof same ports as are on the back (i.e., side interface 34) of thedocking station 12 in female form. Thus, when the arm 90 is in theprotective mode, it may be pressed or slid toward the docking station 12so that the ports fit into their compliments. This further compacts thedevice and adds addition protection to the sensitive connectors,especially the protruding male elements.

In further embodiments of the invention, engager 98 may engage and/or bereleased from the lock hole (e.g., lock hole 44). The top 13 of the basestation may include one or more of a capicitive input device, a key, aset of keys, a keypad and a keyboard.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and notnecessarily in all its embodiments. Therefore, the respectiveappearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or“in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics ofany specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in anysuitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to beunderstood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments ofthe present invention described and illustrated herein are possible inlight of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Additionally, any arrows in the drawings/figures should be consideredonly as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specificallynoted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intendedto mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of componentsor steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology isforeseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,“a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein andthroughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the presentinvention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to thepresent invention in light of the foregoing description of theillustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Therefore, while the present invention has been described herein withreference to the particular embodiments thereof, a latitude ofmodification, various changes and substitutions are intended in theforegoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instancessome features of the embodiments of the invention will be employedwithout the corresponding use of other features without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular terms used infollowing claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as thebest mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that theinvention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A docking assembly for a computer, comprising: a base station, and a computer-support assembly coupled to said base station.
 2. The docking assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising an arm assembly coupled to said base station and to said computer-support assembly.
 3. The docking assembly of claim 1 wherein said computer-support assembly additionally comprises at least one engaging member.
 4. The docking assembly of claim 2 wherein said arm assembly is rotatably coupled to said base station and to said computer-support assembly.
 5. The docking assembly of claim 3 wherein said engaging member comprises a flexible engaging member.
 6. The docking assembly of claim 3 wherein said at least one engaging member comprises a pair of opposed engaging members for engaging the base station.
 7. The docking assembly of claim 1 wherein a top of the base station includes one or more of a capacitive input device, a key, a set of keys, a keypad and a keyboard.
 8. The docking assembly of claim 5 wherein each of said engaging member comprises a structure defining an opening.
 9. The docking assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising an arm assembly pivotally coupled to said base station and to said computer-support assembly.
 10. The docking assembly of claim 1 wherein said arm assembly comprising a generally hollow arm.
 11. The docking assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising at least one conductive wire passing through the hollow arm from said base station to said computer-support assembly.
 12. The docking assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising a computer supported by said computer-support assembly.
 13. The docking assembly of claim 6 wherein each of said engager has a structure defining a slot for slidably receiving a computer.
 14. A method for positioning a computer-support assembly for receiving a portable computer comprising: moving away from a base station at least one engager member bound to a computer-support assembly, said base station and said computer-support assembly are rotatably coupled to an arm assembly; moving said computer-support assembly away from said base station while rotating about said arm assembly; and positioning said computer-support assembly in a posture for receiving a portable computer.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein said computer-support assembly comprises at least one computer connector.
 16. The method of claim 15 additionally comprising slidably engaging the engager member with a portable computer.
 17. The method of claim 16 additionally comprising connecting the portable computer to the computer connector. 